Matt Chapman’s Good, Bad and Ugly from this week’s world of horse racing
Don't miss Chappers' latest column as he reflects on some of the big talking points in racing
NO sooner were we back from a six-day exodus, than all hell broke out at Haydock and former champion trainer Paul Nicholls banged in eight winners Saturday.
It's all action. But who makes this week's column?
GOOD
Cyrname is now the best chaser in racing. It's official - as the BHA will rate him in the high 170s according to BHA handicappers Michael Harris and Martin Greenwood.
In three runs, Cyrname has changed from being beaten off a BHA rating of 150 at Ascot - a rating he had been defeated off in three previous races - to one of the most exciting chasers in the country. Indeed, only Altior would currently have equal X-Factor about him.
Cyrname took the break away in a handicap chase at Ascot on January 19, and was equally cool in Saturday's Grade 1 Ascot Chase, defeating Waiting Patiently by 17l.
Trainer Paul Nicholls has stated that Cheltenham would come too soon for his star, who needs to go right-handed in any case.
However, we might see him over 2m6f at Sandown later in the year or at Punchestown. Machine.
A word too for jockey Harry Cobden, who has come of age this season, not only on Cyrname but also aboard Clan Des Obeaux.
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Speaking of which, Nicholls went into Winx mode this weekend slagging me off without actually listening to what is said.
On the Opening Show on ITV Saturday, I said I had no idea how good the King George form was, as I thought many class horses - Bristol De Mai, Might Bite, Native River etc - ran well below their best.
Before you know it, all hell breaks loose! Apparently I don't rate Clan Des Obeaux and have slated him. Something I have never done.
For the record, I am still not sure how good the King George form is, and I wasn't helped by the facile defeat of Terrefort by Clan Des Obeaux on Saturday, a horse Clan had 11lb in hand over.
What I do know is Clan Des Obeaux is exciting and maturing. And he's adding a new dimension to the season.
If Nicholls and co read this I presume someone will say I hate Clan Des Obeaux in the next few days! Best to listen to what is actually said.
The fighting at Haydock on Saturday was unacceptable, and racecourses who know they get a rowdy crowd have to get a grip.
Quite simply, it's not about stopping people drinking, and it's not about people behaving.
It's about having a strong security and police presence which makes people act in a human way.
You don't drive at 90mph with a police car flashing its lights behind you. It's not rocket science.
Some courses just need extra strong security.